Although tackling climate change has been moving up the agenda for some time, it is now taking centre-stage as the world moves to a sustainable future.
With the Government committing the UK to achieving net-zero carbon by 2050 – and recently committing to cutting emissions by 78% between now and 2035 – industries across the UK are assessing their roles and responsibilities.
But how will the construction industry – and the fenestration sector specifically – adapt to a sustainable future and contribute to climate change?
This year’s Glazing Summit is set to tackle these big questions on Thursday, October 21 at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham with ‘A Sustainable Future – how will the industry adapt?’ one of five hard-hitting debates on the one-day conference.
Each panel debate/discussion will consist of four expert panellists and a debate host to ask the tough questions, and Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder, said: “Sustainability is getting bigger and bigger every year and we want to look at how the fenestration sector is contributing to climate change, how industry leaders are responding to both the legislative changes and consumer demand for low-carbon, energy efficient and sustainable solutions for the home, and what opportunities lie ahead.
“The UK is facing a hugely daunting and ambitious task of cutting emissions by 78% by 2035, let alone reaching net zero carbon by 2050, and manufacturers and installers will have to play their role if we are to hit those targets.”
The debate will also discuss whether the industry can step-up to meet the environmental, social and corporate responsibility (ESG) demands that are now becoming the norm across many business sectors.
“Greater awareness of climate change and the economic risks has caused ESG considerations to rise up corporate agendas with a growing demand for more sustainable development options from employers and investors,” added Andrew.
“The industry will need to respond to that demand and ESG factors will become a significant driver when it comes to company strategy for long-term growth in the future.”
The sustainability debate is just one of five major topics likely to impact the industry that the spotlight will fall on throughout the day, with the supply chain crisis, the regulation minefield, running an installation business in uncertain times, and whether now is the right time to scale-up your business, or get out also on the agenda.
Each panel debate/discussion will consist of four expert panellists and a debate host to ask the tough questions, and attendees can have their say thanks to interactive Q&A and polling platform app Slido.
More than 300 leaders from across the industry are set to attend the Glazing Summit. For tickets, visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.
